Too bad about the story, it's a very pretty film, you know.

Rating: 7/10 (20 August 2003)

As much as I want to trash this film's use of hack story writing, I really can't do it. When this movie was finished (after both endings) I really didn't have much of an opinion about it. But I would recommend this sort of movie to individuals to see what they have to say about it. It's that kind of a movie. Danny Boyle's use of film as a medium is superb, in can evoke a response very well and all I have to say is that anyone who can open themselves to a film in that manner will be pleased for the first 2/3 of the movie.
Now to the bad part... I might SPOIL something...
After we are introduced to the soldier-part, it seems all sense is lost. Good at the level of the viewer, very BAD for the sake of plot and the actual story. I couldn't help but feel like somebody said "OK, the artsy-fartsy reel is done, let's get to the REAL action!!!" Which is I guess, there is a hero, there is a villain, and there is a damsel is distress. Whatever, I could've done with something else (since this movie is so well established in the beginning and is consequentially destroyed.) This may look well on paper as stated, but you have to follow through with the substance over style, man!!! But if you can take something unoriginal, throw a different and delicious sort of flavor with a bad after-taste, than this is for you!
***1/2 get it while it lasts!